VCR starts then stops.

Vintage VHS VCR RCA model VGT205 (circa 1982)

Symptoms: From a cold start, cassette hesitates to move into Play mode. Cylinder drum moves slowly, but then starts and stops. Tape begins to load partially around drum, but then slips off. I must then press Stop immediately, otherwise tape will pull itself off exit p-guide and become mangled.

''Tricking'' the VCR by fast-forwarding or rewinding for a minute or two(either with or without a cassette loaded) usually gets the VCR to load and run normally again, and with the cylinder drum spinning at its proper speed.

Problem occurs again after several hours or after a cold start next day.

All belts are new. Capstan seems solid with no excessive play. Motor works fine in fast forward and rewind modes.

One technician has tested the machine and claims that part number VCRS0012 (RCA part 155713) is the culprit--despite the fact this part is decribed in the service manual as an ''audio control''. Why would an audio control create a loading problem? In any event, absolutely NO ONE has this part available! I've searched for it in vain.

Another ''bad part'' is supposedly IC2001 (AN6677) the cylinder driver--of which I do have a brand new spare but not yet installed. Not sure if the problem would be resolved if I installed this particular part only, however, which is why I prefer to wait for a more thorough diagnosis.

Identical model was also sold under the following brands: Magnavox
VR8306BK01;Panasonic PV-1265; Philco V1001QBK01;Quasar VH5022UW; Sylvania VC2215BK01.

This vintage VCR is built like a tank, has an excellent picture, and has survived many later, ''better'' models. It would be too easy to trash it.
I would prefer to restore it. Currently, I am only able to use it as a rewinder/fast forwarder.

i have the panasonic variant of this...it works flawlessly aside frome not rewinding correctly sometimes(rubber tire drive wheel thing worn or dryrotted)...i was just about to post it on ebay, then i read this and now i cant bring myself to sell it...its too neat and im too much of a packrat...i have the panasonic variant of this...it works flawlessly aside frome not rewinding correctly sometimes(rubber tire drive wheel thing worn or dryrotted)...i was just about to post it on ebay, then i read this and now i cant bring myself to sell it...its too neat and im too much of a packrat...

Find yourself a local technician who has experience repairing these vintage VCRs and chances are he will be able fix yours as well.

In my case, the cylinder motor was malfunctioning, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms.

The culprit was IC-2001--the cylinder motor driver integrated circuit shown on the schematic as AN6677.The replacement part is NTE1613 and still available from well-established electronic parts sources.

The manufacturer is NTE Electronics Inc., Bloomfield, NJ 07003.

I watched my tech open up the VCR and do the work, which he was enthusiastic about since he had not fixed this type of model for many years and was keen to get it running again as much as I was.

Fortunately, I had already pre-ordered the NTE1613, having been told by a different tech that it might be the source of the problem, and I had also purchsed some new idler tires, the IT-7 and IT-15, as it is always wise to have spares because these rubber parts tend to dry out and stretch over time. Extra sets of belts are a must as well.

Once these parts had been replaced, everything worked great except for some unexpected onscreen tracking noise which luckily was quickly traced to a cold joint and re-soldered. Once this was accomplished: bingo! The VCR worked like new and picture-perfect as well!

A previous tech had indicated that another part: the audio chip VCRS0012 (RCA part 155713) was defective, but I was never able to locate that part anywhere. In any event, even if said part is indeed defective, it hasn't affected the performance of the VCR. Time will tell.

My tech confirmed what most everyone knows about VCRS: the old ones are much better constructed than the new ones. Top loaders are also easier to fix and break less often. Manufacturers made a mistake by building front loaders exclusively, but, of course, they make more money with junk that has to be thrown away and replaced with a new machine! So what else is new? Planned obsolescence means big bucks!

The bottom line is: don't throw away your old top-loader VCRs. Even if you end up using it only as a rewinder/fast-forwarder/clock, it is definitely worth hanging onto.

He said that if manufacturers were to build such tough machines ever again, they would have to sell them for around $2000.

The only "downside" to using these vintage VCRS that have only the rudimentary built-in tuner is that you need to connect a converter to the input in order to access the many cable channels. Simply set the VCR to channel 3 (or 4 if that is what is used in your region) and you're good to go.

Even though these type of VCRS usually only have a one-program/same-day timer, they are still valuable, even if only for their durability, not to mention the "nostalgia factor".

Anaze your friends whenever they drop by! :-)Problem solved! My 1982 VGT-205 runs like new once again!
Find yourself a local technician who has experience repairing these vintage VCRs and chances are he will be able fix yours as well.
In my case, the cylinder motor was malfunctioning, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms.
The culprit was IC-2001--the cylinder motor driver integrated circuit shown on the schematic as AN6677.
The replacement part is NTE1613 and still available from well-established electronic parts sources.
The manufacturer is NTE Electronics Inc., Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
I watched my tech open up the VCR and do the work, which he was enthusiastic about since he had not fixed this type of model for many years and was keen to get it running again as much as I was.
Fortunately, I had already pre-ordered the NTE1613, having been told by a different tech that it might be the source of the problem, and I had also purchsed some new idler tires, the IT-7 and IT-15, as it is always wise to have spares because these rubber parts tend to dry out and stretch over time. Extra sets of belts are a must as well.
Once these parts had been replaced, everything worked great except for some unexpected onscreen tracking noise which luckily was quickly traced to a cold joint and re-soldered. Once this was accomplished: bingo! The VCR worked like new and picture-perfect as well!
A previous tech had indicated that another part: the audio chip VCRS0012 (RCA part 155713) was defective, but I was never able to locate that part anywhere. In any event, even if said part is indeed defective, it hasn't affected the performance of the VCR. Time will tell.
My tech confirmed what most everyone knows about VCRS: the old ones are much better constructed than the new ones. Top loaders are also easier to fix and break less often. Manufacturers made a mistake by building front loaders exclusively, but, of course, they make more money with junk that has to be thrown away and replaced with a new machine! So what else is new? Planned obsolescence means big bucks!
The bottom line is: don't throw away your old top-loader VCRs. Even if you end up using it only as a rewinder/fast-forwarder/clock, it is definitely worth hanging onto.
He said that if manufacturers were to build such tough machines ever again, they would have to sell them for around $2000.
The only "downside" to using these vintage VCRS that have only the rudimentary built-in tuner is that you need to connect a converter to the input in order to access the many cable channels. Simply set the VCR to channel 3 (or 4 if that is what is used in your region) and you're good to go.
Even though these type of VCRS usually only have a one-program/same-day timer, they are still valuable, even if only for their durability, not to mention the "nostalgia factor".
Anaze your friends whenever they drop by! :-)

5 Suggested Answers

Though not familiar with this model, VCRs of all sorts have an idler mechanism which drives the supply and takeup spindles. Either the idler is somehow defective and slipping, and, assuming this idler is belt driven, the belt may be slipping just enough to cause a no Rew/FFW condition.
If you had access to a test tape jig (a clear dummy tape, which allows a tech to view what is happening in the area normally obscured by the loaded tape), this might give a clue as to what is happening.
On alot of machines, a problem with Rew/FFW would also mean a tape takeup problem in standard play, result in tape spilling out inside the machine. Sensors would catch this condition and go into a error mode, as yours is doing.
One other thing which might be happening here, is the pinch roller not being disengaged from the capstan in the Rew/FFW modes. I think this is where I'd look first, and you can probably see if such is happening just by pulling the cover off the VCR. The pinch roller is just to the right of the rotating video head. In the play and forward/rev search modes it will press the tape up against the capstan (a rotating shaft). When in Rew/FFW, the pinch roller should be pulled back from the capstan, maybe 1/4 inch or so.
Whatever the case, repair will likely take someone tech savvy. Costs might not be economically justified, with the low-cost, disposable rigs sold in the last 10+ years.

The idler wheel (that only drives the tape in play or scan modes) is
slipping too much (very common problem). Try verify this by
putting the tape in play then immediately press the fast fwd or rewind
buttons to scan the tape. On older machines, the idlers used
rubber friction tires - on newer ones, a clutch. Either replace
the tire or increase the spring tension on the clutch.
Hope Ya Fix It.

Way to go. Usually if you use anisotropic Alcohol with a few Q-tips works well I've found. Try cleaning the other tap path items like the capstan that the pinch roller get's pushed up to also with this Alcohol. The cleaner the better the tape goes through. Much better picture. Blessings, A/V Media Guy

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It is possible that the mechanism is out of mode as the front cassette loading mechanism and the tape forward loading mechanism have gone out of sync. Now it is important that the MODE of the system control is in the correct parking.
Hence I feel that the VCR must be opened and the mechanism reset-ted. Make sure that the tape loading has come back to the correct parking and also the cassette loading has returned, other wise remove the mechanism and reset.

The problem is the idler assembly or the black square belt that drives it, this will cause the vcr to shutdown preventing tape transport. The vcr will need to be dismantled for repair, I recommend a tv technician to check your machine with an estimate.

Hey do the tapes play at all? sometimes some tapes recorded
on other machines won't play on others. maybe you need to adjust the tracking on the VCR you are playing it on. If the tape
was recorded on a VCR that is misaligned it might not play back
on another VCR. Also the tape may have been recorded on a
super VHS VCR in et (extended definition) mode if so they won't play on just any VCR. If the picture looks scrambled like a
premium channel on analog cable then it's probably recorded in et.
and if its recorded on super VHS tape it may eject out of your VCR.
They don't make these S-VHS vcrs anymore but people still
have them around. There is also Digital VHS they're not
compatible with VHS either. A VHS recorded in et mode will
play on some more expensive vcrs it should say so on the box
or instructions.

I just had this same problem. I thought that the timer was stuck and was the reason why the VCR wouldn't play. I just moved and thought the unit got broken in the move. However, I think it was just not hooked up properly to the TV. I unplugged it, plugged it back in, and got it hooked up properly and it started working again (I tested the connection with a DVD player first). The flashing timer light went off as soon as I reset the clock. It seems odd that having it not hooked up properly should stop the VCR from playing, but that is what seemed to happen in my case. Hope this helps.

This is a problem with the process called 'tape loading' - pulling the tape loop out of the cassette and wrapping it around the spinning video drum, engaging the capstan and pinch roller and reel rotation.
If you're NOT still under warrantee you should at least open the VCR and Check all the belts above and below the deck. Belts can appear to be firm but if they do not return immediately to their relaxed length when you stretch them 25%, they will need to be replaced.
With the cover off, observe the behavior when you hit play. (You may need to put a piece of cardboard over the cassette to block external light from interfering with the start/end tape sensors). Assuming this is a basic VCR (no instant start features), you should see:
1. The video head drum begins to spin.
2. the roller guides move smoothly on the tracks, wind the tape around the drum, and stop snuggly pressed against the 'V-stopper' at the end of the tracks.
3. The pinch roller moves into position and presses the tape against the capstan.
4. The tape begins to move and is wound up by the takeup reel.
5. The picture and sound appear on the TV.
With a 'rapid or quick start' (or it may be called something else) transport, the tape moves to a half-loaded position when the cassette is inserted.
This is at an intermediate position partially pulled out of the cassette but not wrapped around the drum. On VCRs with a real-time counter and/or index search capabilities, the tape will be in contact with the control head.
With an 'instant start' transport, the tape will fully load around the spinning drum when the cassette is inserted but the capstan will not engage and no tension will be applied to the tape until you press PLAY or REC. (After about 5 minutes, the drum will stop and it may unload to the half loaded or unloaded position.)
Note that for VCRs with a real-time counter and/or index search capabilities, the tape must be in contact with the control head (but not the video heads) for all relevant modes. These VCRs (which include many modern units) must therefore pull the tape at least partly out of the cassette.
In all cases, the completion of the sequence results in approximately the same mechanical configuration during PLAY.

This is a problem with the process called 'tape loading' - pulling the tape loop out of the cassette and wrapping it around the spinning video drum, engaging the capstan and pinch roller and reel rotation.
With the cover off, observe the behavior when you hit play. (You may need to put a piece of cardboard over the cassette to block external light from interfering with the start/end tape sensors). Assuming this is a basic VCR (no instant start features), you should see:
1. The video head drum begins to spin.
2. the roller guides move smoothly on the tracks, wind the tape around the drum, and stop snuggly pressed against the 'V-stopper' at the end of the tracks.
3. The pinch roller moves into position and presses the tape against the capstan.
4. The tape begins to move and is wound up by the takeup reel.
5. The picture and sound appear on the TV.
With a 'rapid or quick start' (or it may be called something else) transport, the tape moves to a half-loaded position when the cassette is inserted.
This is at an intermediate position partially pulled out of the cassette but not wrapped around the drum. On VCRs with a real-time counter and/or index search capabilities, the tape will be in contact with the control head.
With an 'instant start' transport, the tape will fully load around the spinning drum when the cassette is inserted but the capstan will not engage and no tension will be applied to the tape until you press PLAY or REC. (After about 5 minutes, the drum will stop and it may unload to the half loaded or unloaded position.)
Note that for VCRs with a real-time counter and/or index search capabilities, the tape must be in contact with the control head (but not the video heads) for all relevant modes. These VCRs (which include many modern units) must therefore pull the tape at least partly out of the cassette.
In all cases, the completion of the sequence results in approximately the same mechanical configuration during PLAY.
Several likely possibilities when it shuts down:
1. Everything occurs as above, picture and sound appear for a few seconds, but then the VCR unloads the tape, ejects the cassette, goes into REW mode, stops, or shuts off. Two common causes:
The takeup reel does not turn and tape spills into the machine. This is sensed by the microcontroller which aborts record or play and attempts to save your valuable cassette. Most likely cause: old/dirty idler tire. As a test, turn the idler tire inside-out. The fresh surface will now work well enough to confirm this diagnosis and will continue working long enough for your replacement idler tire to arrive. See the section:
"General guide to VCR cleaning and rubber parts replacement".
The takeup reel is turning properly but one of the reel
The takeup reel is turning properly but one of the reel rotation sensors or its electronics is defective. As a test, check to see if the tape counter is changing at any time during the loading and

This is a problem with the process called 'tape loading' - pulling the tape loop out of the cassette and wrapping it around the spinning video drum, engaging the capstan and pinch roller and reel rotation.
Check all the belts above and below the deck. Belts can appear to
be firm but if they do not return immediately to their relaxed length when you stretch them 25%, they will need to be replaced.
With the cover off, observe the behavior when you hit play. (You may need to put a piece of cardboard over the cassette to block external light from interfering with the start/end tape sensors). Assuming this is a basic VCR (no instant start features), you should see:
1. The video head drum begins to spin.
2. the roller guides move smoothly on the tracks, wind the tape around the drum, and stop snuggly pressed against the 'V-stopper' at the end of the tracks.
3. The pinch roller moves into position and presses the tape against the capstan.
4. The tape begins to move and is wound up by the takeup reel.
5. The picture and sound appear on the TV.
With a 'rapid or quick start' (or it may be called something else) transport, the tape moves to a half-loaded position when the cassette is inserted.
This is at an intermediate position partially pulled out of the cassette but not wrapped around the drum. On VCRs with a real-time counter and/or index search capabilities, the tape will be in contact with the control head.
With an 'instant start' transport, the tape will fully load around the spinning drum when the cassette is inserted but the capstan will not engage and no tension will be applied to the tape until you press PLAY or REC. (After about 5 minutes, the drum will stop and it may unload to the half loaded or unloaded position.)
Note that for VCRs with a real-time counter and/or index search capabilities, the tape must be in contact with the control head (but not the video heads) for all relevant modes. These VCRs (which include many modern units) must therefore pull the tape at least partly out of the cassette.
In all cases, the completion of the sequence results in approximately the same mechanical configuration during PLAY.
Several likely possibilities when it shuts down:
1. Everything occurs as above, picture and sound appear for a few seconds, but then the VCR unloads the tape, ejects the cassette, goes into REW mode, stops, or shuts off. Two common causes:
The takeup reel does not turn and tape spills into the machine. This is sensed by the microcontroller which aborts record or play and attempts to save your valuable cassette. Most likely cause: old/dirty idler tire. As a test, turn the idler tire inside-out. The fresh surface will now work well enough to confirm this diagnosis and will continue working long enough for your replacement idler tire to arrive. See the section:
"General guide to VCR cleaning and rubber parts replacement".
The takeup reel is turning properly but